Teresa Threadgold - Interim Manager

Seasoned interim manager Teresa Threadgold can count Financial Services, Utilities, FMCG and Not for Profit as areas of expertise. She says this is just one of the many advantages of working in interim management.

After holding four different internal communications positions in a large financial services company, I decided to try working as an interim manager.

I had friends who were self-employed and I did a lot of research before making the decision. The VMA Group website was particularly useful for advice about setting up my own limited company and in helping me decide what day rate to charge.

As an organised and focused person, I set myself a five year career plan with the specific aims of gaining knowledge and experience across a variety of industries and achieving a good work and home life balance.

I started off working for British Gas through VMA Group - in a part-time role - which also enabled me to take another part-time role in FMCG, so I was really living the portfolio career dream! I then took on another two roles with British Gas through the dhc Consultancy setting up a central team and working within Service and Repair.

After leaving British Gas, and again through VMA Group, I got an opportunity with the National Trust. This certainly fitted my plan of gaining experience across a number of sectors. Better still they were actually on my shortlist of companies I wanted to work for.

My interview was on a Friday and I was offered the job the following Monday and so began my next career adventure in the world of conservation, wildlife, stately homes and afternoon tea.I was recruited as an Internal Communications Manager at a time when the Trust had just implemented a 'going local' strategy designed to give Trust employees the freedom to run their own local business operations but within a national framework.To help support this, one of my major tasks was to create and stage a two day conference. It was a huge task; not only did I have to consult at all levels of the business across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, but also the content had to be delivered to meet the needs of the very diverse range of delegates from around the British Isles, including National Trust foresters, housekeepers and butterfly specialists. The event has had a huge impact on that part of the business.

Since becoming an interim manager my confidence has grown because I've experienced so much more than if I had been working for just one organisation.

My advice to anyone thinking of becoming an interim manager is: "Just try it!" Work out what your minimum day rate is or speak with someone at VMA Group if you're unsure what to charge. Interim management isn't for everyone but if you like a challenge, can digest information quickly and are flexible it could be the dawn of a whole new career. You really will never know unless you try.

Clearly, as an interim manager you need to make your own pension arrangements and you only get paid for the days you work, but you learn to adapt and make provisions. Although it did take me a while to stop counting the pounds I was losing by being on holiday. One of the unexpected benefits of freelancing is the amount you can learn about a wide range of organisations, particularly the National Trust.

I'm now three years in to my five year plan; I have more confidence than ever and absolutely no regrets. www.vmagroup.com